ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – By the end of 2025, the UAE’s overseas foreign direct investment (FDI) stock reached $402.729 billion, following outward investments of $63.353 billion during the year, according to UN Trade and Development. This marks a significant rise from $55.560 billion in 2010 and highlights the country’s substantial expansion in international investment holdings. The UAE’s investments now span key global economies, emerging markets, and numerous sectors worldwide.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio encompasses industries such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure, ports, and logistics also constitute a considerable part of its overseas presence. These holdings are maintained by sovereign investors, state-affiliated enterprises, and private firms, with assets distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond. These figures illustrate the UAE’s prominent role as a major source of cross-border capital flow.
Global foreign direct investment rebounded in 2025, reaching approximately $1.6 trillion, a 6% increase from the previous year, according to UN Trade and Development. Developed nations attracted around $723 billion, reflecting an 11% growth, while developing economies drew roughly $901 billion, up 2%. The world’s 20 largest recipient economies accounted for more than 80% of total global investment, indicating continued concentration of international capital among leading markets despite overall growth.
Sovereign wealth funds diversify their global holdings
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a significant portion of its global portfolio in North America, which makes up 44% of its assets and includes over 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports assets under management totaling approximately $170 billion across North America. Europe accounts for 15%, while Asia-Pacific holds 13%, and Latin America and the Caribbean represent 1%. Its investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various key markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority allocates its capital strategically, with 45% to 60% of its assets designated for North America. Europe’s share ranges from 15% to 30%, while emerging markets receive between 10% and 20%. Asia-Pacific developed markets account for 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade emphasizes the country’s growing network of international economic partnerships, facilitated through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that strengthen trade and investment ties with various partner nations.
Transport sector investments expand internationally
Another example of the UAE’s global economic reach is AD Ports Group, which operated 34 ports and terminals across domestic and international markets in 2025. The company also maintained offices in over 50 countries and had a commercial presence reaching 158 nations either directly or via representatives. Its operations span ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than sevenfold, with current figures surpassing $400 billion in 2025. UAE capital now extends to mature economies and emerging markets across multiple sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows experienced growth, reflecting the scale of foreign assets held by UAE investors. These numbers offer a clear view of the country’s expanding international investment footprint and its growing influence in global markets.